Hosting a Friendsgiving celebration is a fantastic way to gather with friends, share a great meal, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Unlike the traditional Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving is all about keeping things casual and fun, giving you the freedom to experiment with your menu. This year, why not add a twist to your gathering with a menu that features flavorful, onion-focused dishes? Onions bring a comforting, savory depth to any dish, making them perfect for this cozy occasion — and they pack the nutritional power to boost your immunity, fight disease and keep your gut healthy. Here are some easy Friendsgiving ideas to plan a menu that’s both simple to prepare and memorable for everyone at the table.
Plan Your Friendsgiving Menu Around Simple, Flavorful Dishes
For a smooth Friendsgiving, aim for a menu with a blend of crowd-pleasers that are easy to prep in advance. From appetizers to sides, having dishes that can be prepared ahead or require minimal last-minute work allows you to enjoy the celebration too.
- Friendsgiving Starters: Kick off the meal with flavorful onion-forward appetizers, like Creamy Onion Dip served with veggies and chips, or Cranberry Onion Tarts. Both are easy to prep and have broad appeal.
Cranberry Onion Tarts - Main Dish Choices: For the main, Roast Turkey Breast with Balsamic Caramelized onions and Glazed dried Cranberries is a great option.
Roast Turkey Breast with Balsamic Caramelized Onions and Glazed Dried Cranberries
Or try this Turkey Spiral with Onion-Dried Cherry Stuffing. Pair either with a holiday staple with a twist, Roasted Onion and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Make the potatoes the night before, and warm it in a slow cooker throughout the day so it will be heated through in time for dinner.
Onion-Featured Side Dishes to Wow Your Guests
The side dishes are often what make Friendsgiving feel cozy and unique, and onions add a rich, comforting depth to these dishes.
- Caramelized Onion and Green Bean Casserole: When you need than twist on the classic casserole, adding caramelized oni
Red Cabbage and Onions with Apples and Apricots
ons elevates this dish with a more complex flavor while keeping it easy to make. - Sweet Onion and Apple Salad: This fresh side features sweet onions, apples, and pecans for a light, crunchy dish that complements richer menu items. Try this Red Cabbage and Onions with Apples and Apricots for a flavorful and colorful addition to the table.
- Roasted Onions with Thyme: For something simple and elegant, roasted onions seasoned with thyme make a delicious, no-fuss side that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.
Practical Tips for Hosting Friendsgiving
The best part about Friendsgiving is getting away from tradition and formality. You likely already know how to plan a friendsgiving — especially if you and your friends have a history. Just remember, there are no rules.
- Potluck Style: Friendsgiving often shines when guests bring a dish. You could assign categories to guests — like appetizers, sides, or desserts—to keep things balanced.
- Create a Relaxed Setting: Use candles, string lights, and simple table settings to create a cozy atmosphere. Friendsgiving is all about the company, so keep décor relaxed.
- Keep Drinks and Desserts Simple: Consider having a signature cocktail, like a fall sangria with apples and cinnamon, and a simple dessert bar with mini pumpkin pies or caramelized apple tarts to keep things manageable.
Stumped on Friendsgiving theme ideas?
Here are seven tips when you need some Friendsgiving theme ideas that will make your gathering feel unique and memorable. Of course, if you’re wondering how to plan a Friendsgiving, your friends will likely be grateful for any effort you put forth. Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:
- Flannel & Foliage. Encourage everyone to wear their coziest flannel shirts. Set the scene with natural fall accents such as pumpkins, leaves, and candles. The flannel theme creates a relaxed, autumn vibe and makes for cute group photos.
- Potluck Pie Party. Have each guest bring a pie—savory or sweet. Pies could range from classics like pumpkin and apple to savory options like onion and spinach tart or chicken pot pie. It’s a creative way to lighten the cooking load and enjoy a variety of flavors!
- Soup and Bread Feast. Warm up the gathering with a soup-and-bread theme! Set up a “soup bar” with options like French onion, butternut squash, and chili, with an assortment of crusty breads. This comforting menu is easy to serve and feels perfect for a fall evening.
- Friendsgiving Brunch. For a unique twist, host Friendsgiving as a brunch! Serve crowd-pleasers like onion and mushroom quiche, breakfast potatoes, and a mimosa bar. A brunch is especially fun for groups who want a more relaxed, mid-morning gathering.
- Friendsgiving Fiesta. Mix it up with a Friendsgiving fiesta theme! Serve Mexican-inspired dishes such as Black Bean & Corn Salsa, stuffed peppers, and enchiladas. Add colorful décor, a taco bar, and some margaritas for a lively and festive twist on the traditional meal.
- ‘Throwback Thanksgiving’ Invite guests to bring a dish that was a staple in their childhood Thanksgivings. This nostalgic theme encourages guests to share family stories along with their favorite classic recipes. That creates a personal touch that will spark conversation and laughter.
- Game Night Friendsgiving. For a laid-back vibe, pair dinner with board games, card games, or trivia. Set up cozy areas with blankets and pillows. Serve finger foods and easy-to-eat dishes like sliders, onion dip, and veggie trays. After dinner, dive into games to keep the fun going all night.
As you plan your Friendsgiving, remember that the best part is the time spent with friends. With a simple menu and cozy atmosphere, you can host a gathering that feels special without all the pressure. By adding a few onion-inspired dishes, you’ll bring warmth and flavor, and (shhh! nutrition) to the table in a way that’s sure to impress. Here’s to making this Friendsgiving delicious, stress-free, and full of good memories!
